🐺 A pricey new plan for wolf attacks

🇺🇸 Mayor Johnston on the Auraria Protests

Last week, both Denver police and Mayor Mike Johnston were at the Auraria Campus in response to Gaza protests happening on the quad, which involved the arrests of dozens of students. But what exactly is the City — and DPD’s — role in enforcing Auraria’s security policies? We asked the mayor himself. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🐺 State Pays to Protect Livestock from Wolves

The state Agriculture Department is forking over $20,000 to help protect livestock in Grand County. The move follows the sixth confirmed cattle attack by a wolf in the area since state wildlife officials reintroduced gray wolves into the nearby wilderness in December. The money will go toward non-lethal deterrents, but local ranchers remain skeptical. [CO Sun]

• Speaking of gray wolves: Rep. Lauren Boebert’s bill to remove gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act narrowly passed in the U.S. House this week, but analysts report the measure is unlikely to survive the Senate. [CPR]

💰 Homeless Shelter Must Pay Back Underpaid Workers

Homeless service provider Urban Peak may end up distributing as much as $2 million in backpay to the construction workers building its new $38.6 million shelter in the Overland neighborhood. Urban Peak recently lost a wage theft appeal after Denver Labor officials determined it wasn’t paying its contractors the correct wages. [Westword]

This week on Denver’s dining scene: Some somber news as Denver’s culinary community grieves the loss of a beloved longtime local chef, plus the final strike for a controversial jam band bar and where to eat and drink for Cinco de Mayo.

🇲🇽 Where to Eat and Drink on Cinco de Mayo

From horchata French toast and crispy tlayudas to chile mango margs and pitchers of Sangria, check out these Cinco de Mayo food and drink specials around the Mile High. [Westword]

💔 Dining Community Mourns Local Chef

Amos Watts, a 43-year-old father of two and longtime local dining staple, died unexpectedly last weekend. His skillset on the line graced the kitchens of big name Denver restaurants like Jax Fish House, Old Major, Corrida, the now-shuttered Acorn, and most recently his own concept, The Fifth String, which he opened with his wife in 2020. [BusinessDen 🔒]

🥇 CO Crushes at ‘Beer Olympics’

Colorado took home 21 wins at the World Beer Cup earlier this month, hosted by the Boulder-based Brewers Association. Gold medal recipients included River North, Bull & Bush, Cervecería, Station 26, and five other local brewers.

⛔ Grateful Dead Bar Shutters

Grateful Dead-themed bar, So Many Roads Brewery, has closed its doors for good following the arrest of former owner and co-founder Jay Bianchi on suspicion of sexual assault. The spot has faced a series of temporary closures and probation mandates in recent years for serving alcohol to minors and illegal drug dealings. [Denver Post 🔒]

🧑‍🌾 May is Farmers Market Season

Another round of farmers markets are making their seasonal debut this weekend, including those in Cherry Creek and City Park. Check out our Denver farmers market starter guide for everything you need to know before you go! [Hey Denver]

Mayor Johnston on Campus Protests, @DoBetterDenver, and Running for President

Mayor Mike Johnston sits down with the City Cast Denver crew to discuss the arrests of students during the ongoing Gaza protests at the Auraria Campus, how he feels about the anti-homeless @DoBetterDNVR Instagram account, what’s next for the development around Ball Arena, and more topics trending in the Mile High.